Speaking at the launch of the book African Synodal Theology: A Tall Tree is as Strong as its Roots, held at Hekima University College on 18th March, 2026, Bishop Rodrigo Mejía Saldarriaga, SJ, offered a candid and spontaneous reflection on the state of synodality in Africa, warning that it risks becoming a mere “event” rather than a transformative practice.
Bishop Rodrigo, the Vicar Apostolic Emeritus of Soddo, Ethiopia, and a founding member of Hekima University College, drew a sharp distinction between the success of African celebrations and the necessity of structural change in the church.
The “Beer” Analogy: Talking vs. Doing
In a provocative critique, Bishop Rodrigo compared the current discourse on synodality to a story from his time in Kinshasa. He recounted being thirsty and being asked by a host if he would like a beer, only for the host to say, “Very well, let us talk about that,” without ever providing the drink.
“Talking about beer does not quench any thirst,” the Bishop remarked. “The danger is that we talk too much about synod and synodality, but action, initiatives, and practice are not coming.”
He raised concerns that while a year has passed since the last assembly, real structural changes at the parish and diocesan levels remain scarce. He specifically challenged the Archdiocese of Nairobi and its 130+ parishes to move beyond “celebration” and begin organizing local synods as outlined in Canon Law (Canons 460-488).
From Verticality to Horizontality
Despite his “devil’s advocate” warnings, the Bishop highlighted positive strides taken by AMECEA (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa). He praised their publication of the synod’s final documents and a simplified edition for the laity, noting that the primary hurdle is not a lack of will, but a lack of preparation.
“Synodality implies a lot of change of mentality, attitudes, and values,” he explained. “We are passing from verticality to horizontality, and that is sometimes painful.”
A Call for a “Synodal Seminar” in Nairobi
Bishop Rodrigo concluded with a concrete proposal for Nairobi’s academic institutions. He urged Hekima University College, Tangaza University, CUEA, and others to collaborate on a “Synodal Seminar.”
His suggested focus: the revision of priestly formation, one of the ten points requested for study by Pope Francis. He encouraged these institutions to invite the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) to contribute to this universal study, ensuring that the “fruits of that synod” include the contextualization of priestly and religious leadership in Kenya.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications & International Office Coordinator
